How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Ringworms?

How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Ringworms?DaiwikSeptember 20, 2017

There are several types of fungal and bacterial infections that may affect the skin, but can anything be more pestering than ringworm? If you are one of those you are suffering from ringworm, you would know the pain.

But don’t worry. We finally have an effective remedy for ringworm – it is hydrogen peroxide we are talking about.

Would you like to know more? Keep reading!

Ringworm – A Brief:

Those who have suffered from it will nod their head without any doubt! It is a common skin infection, triggered mostly by a fungus named dermatophytes (1). It thrives mostly in warm, moist conditions. The fungus feeds on the skin of both humans and other animals. Ringworm can affect people from both genders and children can also get affected by it.

Nuances Of Ringworm Infection:

Ringworm affects various body parts such as the scalp, toenails, fingernails, and legs. It is quite a contagious infection. Ringworm can spread from one person to another (2). However, it is also spread from animals to humans in most cases. You may get the infection from domestic animals like cat, dogs, and even guinea pigs.

The most common symptoms are red, itchy spots and scaly developments on the skin. They can be quite annoying. If preventive measures are not taken, they can recur in the affected people.

Treatment Options For Ringworm:

Thankfully, there are various treatment options available for ringworm infection (3). You can visit a dermatologist or a doctor who can offer you prescription medications in the form of ointments, creams or lotions. However, if you have sensitive skin and find applying the chemical laden anti-fungal creams complicated, do not worry! There are so many home remedies that you can resort to.

Applying Hydrogen Peroxide To Treat Ringworm:

Hydrogen peroxide is a formulation that is easily available. It is also inexpensive yet effective in treating ringworm (4). You can find it in any local chemist shop, and nowadays ordering online is also possible.

You will find that hydrogen peroxide solution is available in varying strengths. To treat skin infection like ringworm, you will need to use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. You will also need to use sterilized cotton balls.

Based on your skin type and sensitivity levels, you can dilute it further or apply in the default form. Soak the cotton balls in this hydrogen peroxide solution and apply it on skin areas that are affected by the infection. Note that a slight stinging sensation may be felt. This can be applied a few times every day.

Some people opt for more concentrated solutions of hydrogen peroxide to get rid of ringworm infection. Using such thick solutions can cause your skin to become white for a while. Besides, it can also lead to a stronger stinging sensation.

Alternative Remedies For Treating Ringworm:

People with delicate skin may find hydrogen peroxide solution a little too harsh. In that case, they can opt for other natural and herbal remedies to treat ringworm infection. Besides, applying hydrogen peroxide on the scalp is not advisable for general usage. Ringworm can also affect your scalp. In such a situation, you can use any of the following herbal remedies to get rid of it.

1. Tea Tree Oil:

This essential oil is known for strong antibacterial properties (5). It has been used to cure a lot of infections since ages. You can apply tea tree oil mixed with a carrier oil on the skin areas affected by ringworm. Use a dropper or cotton balls and apply thrice a day to get results.

2. Turmeric:

Turmeric, used as a culinary spice and an ingredient, has antibacterial properties (6). You may use fresh turmeric roots to make a paste and apply it on ringworm affected skin spots. It would be good to use it twice a day or so.

3. Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is a herb with strong healing and antibacterial properties (7). You can use Aloe Vera gel to treat ringworm. If you have the plant in the garden, use the leaves to extract gel or buy gels in the market. Apply it two times every day till you find the infection healed.

Do not rush to the physician the next time you spot a ringworm infection. Instead, try hydrogen peroxide and you will soon be recommending this remedy to others!

We hope this post has helped you! Do give us your feedback by commenting in the box below.